Mechanical milker.



L. L. STORY. MEGHANICAL MILKER APPLICATION FILED SBPT.13, 1909. I

Patented Sept. 6, 1910.

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L. L. STORY.

MECHANICAL MILKER.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 13, 1909.

Patented Sept. 6, 1910.

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L. L. STORY.

MECHANICAL MILKER.

APPLIGATION FILED SEPT.13,1909.

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Patented Sept. 6, 1910.

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L. L. STORY.

MECHANICAL MILKER.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT.13, 1909.

969,76 1 Patented Sept 6, 1910.

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L. L. STORY.

MECHANICAL MILKER.

APPLIOATION nun sum. 13, 1909.

969,761 Patented Sept 6,1910.

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L. L. STORY.

MEGHANIOAL MILKER.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT.13,1909.

969,761. I Patented Sept. 6, 1910.

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L. L. STORY.

MECHANICAL MILKEB.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT.13,1909.

969,761; Patented Sept. 6, 1910.

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L. L. STORY.

MECHANICAL MILKER'.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT.13, 1909.

Patented Sept. 6, 1910.

9 SHEETS-SHEET 8.

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L. L. STORY.

MECHANICAL MILKER.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT.13, 1909.

969,761 Pa ented Sept. 6,1910.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

LEONARD LEACH STORY, OF EAST FAIRFIELD, VERMONT.

MECHANICAL MILKER.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, LEONARD L. S'roRY, a citizen of the United States,and a resident of East Fairfield, in the county of Franklin and State ofVermont, have invented a new and useful Mechanical Milker, of which thefollowing is a full, clear, and exact description.

Among the objects which the present invention has in view are: toprovide a mechanical milker adapted to milk the cows separately andsingly; to provide a milker wherein compression is used instead ofsuction or forcing; to provide means for mechanically manipulating theudder; to provide means whereby the udder may be manipulated tocompletely evacuate the same; to provide means for adjusting themechanical action to prevent injury or hurt to the cow; to provide meansfor carrying on the operation of milking alternately upon differentsides of the udder; to provide means for adjusting the mechanism to thephysical irregularity of the different cows; and to provide devices forextracting the milk from the udder by progressive downward compressionof the teat in simulation of the action'of the human hand.

One embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in theaccompanying drawings forming a part of this specification, in whichlike characters of reference denote corresponding parts in all theviews, and in which- Figure 1 is a fragmentary view of a cow beingmilked by a mechanical milker constructed in accordance with the presentinvention; Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the mechanical milkerconstructed in accordance with the present invention. In this view themiddle extension is shown in isometric perspective and the casing of thedriving gear is removed to show in section taken on the line 22 in Fig.4:; Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the middle extension above mentioned;Fig. 4 is a plan view of the construction in posit-ion as shown inelevation in Fig. 2. The casing for the driving gear is removed to showin section taken on the line 4-4 in Fig. 2; Fig. 5 is a detail View invertical section, taken on the line 5-5 in Fig. 6, of the gear casing ofthe reciprocating and driving mechanism for the milker; Fig. 6 is adetail view in horizontal section, taken on the line 66 in Fig. 5, ofthe mechanism shown in Fig. 5; Fig. 7

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed September 13, 1909.

Patented Sept. 6, 1910.

Serial No. 517,462.

is an end elevation of the teat cups and operating mechanism connectedtherewith; Fig. 8 is a detail view in side elevation, being partly cutaway in section taken on the line 88 in Fig. 9, of the spreading guidearms used in connection with the teat cups; Fig. 9 is a plan view of theconstruction illustrated in Fig. 7 in horizontal section, taken on theline 99 in Fig. 8; Fig. 10 is a side elevation, partly in section, takenon the line 10-10 in Fig. 7 of the teat cups on one side of the milkingmechanism; Fig. 11 shows the operating mechanism connected with one ofthe forward teat cups or those next adjacent to the gear case 35; Fig.12 is an end View in elevation, partly in section taken on the line 1212in Fig. 11, of the mechanism illustrated in Fig. 11; Fig. 13 is a planview, partly in section, taken on the line 18-13 in Fig. 14, of a singleteat cup; Fig. lt is an end elevation, partly in section taken on theline 1 11t in F ig. 13, of the construction shown in Fig. 13; Fig. 15 isa detail view in side elevation of one of the compressing arms used inthis construction; Fig. 16 is a detail view in horizontal section of theconstruction and arrangement of the driving link employed in the presentconstruction; Figs. 17, 18, 19 and 20 are plotted views of the cams foroperating the teat compression members, reading from the top down,respectively; Fig. 21 is a side elevation partly in section taken on theline 21-21 in Fig. 13, of the teat cup and operating mechanism therefor;Fig. 22 is a detail view in plan taken on the line 2222 in Fig. 23,showing the mechanism for adjusting the teat cups longitudinally; Fig.23 is a detail View in elevation, taken on the line 23-23 in Fig. 22;Fig. 24: is a diametric view exaggerated, showing the operativepositions of the milking mechanisms at the end of the operation of oneand beginning of the operation of the other; and Fig. 25 is a verticalsection of the compressing mechanism taken, on the line 2525 in Fig. 13.

The present device may be more conveniently described when divided intogroups of instrumentalities for operating to perform distinct andseparate functions.

These groups I will describe, beginning first with the supportingstructure whereby the milking device is held in operative positionrelative to the cow and the building structure; the second grouparranges itself vices and parts of each group I have used I designatingnumerals.

The supporting structure is removably mounted in a block 1, which issecurely mounted upon a stationary stanchion X of the buildingstructure. Within the block 1 is a tapered socket provided to receive atapered supporting pin 2 The pin 2 is extended from a head 3*, extendingfrom which is a casing 4 The casing 1* is hingedly connected with abracket arm 5% which is provided at the outer end with a yoke 6 Thebracket arm 5 is connected with the casing 1 and head 3 (4 and 3 are inone piece) by means of a hinge .j oint with the shaft 167 as an axis, sothat the bracket arm 5 can swing to the right or left when a cow variesher position, the miter gears 168 and 169 permitting this movement. Theyoke is vertically extended, as shown particularly in Fig. 2 of thedrawings, and is easily secured by means of bolts 7 to a yoke 8 mountedupon an extension arm 9 The arm 9 is likewise secured to a yoke 10*, towhich parallel arms 11 and 12 are secured. The arms 11 and 12 arepivoted to the yoke 10 at 13 and 1% respectively. The said arms are heldin parallel arrangement by a link 15, which is pivotally mounted at16*16 upon both'arms. The arms 11 and 12 so provided with the mechanismattached to them at the outer end, may be elevated or depressed. Forthis purpose the yoke 10 is provided with a quadrant 17, having on thesurface thereof suitable gear teeth radially disposed about the pivot 18on which the arms 12 embrace. stituting the pivot 13 is a hand lever18*, upon which is mounted a spring-actuated detent 19 the teeth ofwhich pass through the lever 18 and engage the teeth of the quadrant 17The hand lever 18 serves the purpose of an adjustable stop to preventthe arms 12* and 11 from being raised beyond a desired point by thespring 32 as there is a projection on the arm 12 which will strikeagainst a projection on the lever 18 when the latter is set at any oneof the spaces in the quadrant 17 The lever 18 is normally intended to beraisedup out of the way in the topmost space so that the arms-12 and 11will swing freely up and down, being counterbalanced by the spring 32 sothat they will normally be in a raised position. At the upper extensionof the Fixedly attached to the bolt con-v yoke 10 is a link plate 20*.It is between the plate 20 and the lower extension of the yoke 10 thatthe pivot bolt 21 extends, and

it is through the arms of the plate 20 that operative position the rod22 is inserted j between the fore-legs of the cow, and the spring 25*lifts the said rod between the near fore-leg and the brisket of the'ani-By this arrangement there is formed:

mal.

a holding member for maintaining the milk- I ing mechanism in guidedposition on the animal, and such construction and arrangement is hereincalled the holding member. The arc-like member being extended, as shownin Fig. 4 of the drawings, serves to maintain the horizontal arrangementof the rod and its connections relative to the arm 9*, which is easilydrawn into position, sub stantiallythat shown in Fig. & of the drawings,extended at an angle to-the line of the operative position of themilking apparatus. The rod 22 being held constantly in engagement withthe animal and between the brisket and leg thereof, the milkingapparatus is held in line parallelwith the extension and the animalsbody. 7 V

The arm 12 is extended beneath the pivot 13 to engage a sleeve slidablymounted upon the bolt 21 -and carrying small trunnion extensions 26*.Mounted upon the said sleeve is a revolving block carrying trunnions 27The said sleeve and block are rotatably connected. The trunnions 26 areengaged by yoke extensions 28 of the arm 12 while the trunnions 27 areengaged by yoke extensions 29 formed on the bell crank lever 30 which ispivotally mounted at 31 upon the arm 9*. To the free end of the bellcrank lever 3Ov is attached ,a heavy spiral expansion spring 32*,whichis anchored to the yoke 8 by the bolt 33 The milking apparatus isheld in position on the cow as follows: Two of the teat cups aregripping or compressing the teats when the other two have. released theteats and will pull the machine along with her 'because of the two teatcups which are-com pressing two of the teats. With herfneck in thestanchion, the cow must necessarily move her hind quarters to a greaterextent than her forward quarters in moving wise. The point at which therod 22 passes side between the cows fore-leg and brisket serves as afulcrum, so that when the cow pulls the machine to one side by means ofher teats, the machine and rod 22 serve as a lever with the fore-leg andbrisket as a fulcrum, and thereby draw along the supporting frame orbracket 9 and 5 the three hinge joints, with respective axes at 21 7 and167 permit-ting the movement. If the arm 22 were not employed, the teatcups would be twisted off the teats when the cow stepped sidewise,unless the surcingle was used.

At the outer end the arms 11 and 12 are pivotally connected by a frame3%, l5 to a gear case 35 By reason of the mounting of the gear case 35upon the arms 11 and 12 which are held to move at all times parallel,the said gear case is maintained in a vertical osition in all positionsto which it is raise and lowered. It is from the gear case 35 that thesupporting levers 36 36 'are extended, upon the outer end of which aremounted supporting frames for the teat cups. The levers 36 are pivotallymounted on bolts 37 -37 set out from the side of the casing 35*, and arepivotally connected at 38*, 38 to the supporting frame of the teat cups.

Extended between the supporting frame for the teat cups and the gearcasing 35 are link arms 39*, provided to maintain the parallelarrangement of the teat cups and the gear casing 35. The arms 39 arepivotally mounted at 40 40'- to the said casing and supporting frame forthe teat cups.

The gear casing 35 is provided at the top with loops u -41", throughwhich the ends of a surcingle are passed whenever it appears that therod 22 and teat cups are not sufficient to maintain the apparatus inoperative position upon the animal, as in the event of a restive animal.When the surcingle is used, it is secured to one of the loops 41 andthrown over the small of the back of the animal and connected to theother of the said loops, strapping the apparatus firmly in position uponthe animal.

Thus far I have described the supporting structure, which is removablyattached to the building structure or milking rack, and which isadjustable lengthwise, crosswise and in elevation. It is upon this thatthe operating mechanism and power transmission mechanism are mounted andsupported.

In dairies where an apparatus of the character specified is used thereare provided milking floors and racks. The racks consist of stationarymembers such as that indicated by the letter X in Fig. 1 of thedrawings, and movable members such as indicated by the letter Y in thesame figure of the drawings. Between the open stanchions the cow caneasily extend her head, but when the movable stanchion Y is placed inposition the head cannot be withdrawn. It

constructed preferably from flexible waterproof material. They aresubstantially square in cross section and the upper edge is shapedsomewhat as the mouth of a fish. To the upper edge is formed a heavy lip51 having perforations therein to receive pins 52 The lip 51 isdepressed or cut away in the longitudinal line of the milking apparatus.The inner wall of each two of all the cups mounted in horizontalarrangement is raised to strike between the teats of the udder. In thephysical construction of the udder there is a single crease between theteats into which it is desirable that the side of the cups shouldextend, it being the ob ject of the present invention to employ withinthe operative engagement as much of the udder as is practicable, as willbe seen by glancing at Fig. 24 of the drawings.

From the walls of the cup near the lower end thereof are extended earsor tabs 53", which are perforated to receive rods 54 5%l about which aremounted spiral springs 55*. The spiral springs 55* expand againstwashers 56 56", against which the ears 58 bear from beneath. It is bythe expansion of the springs 55 that the body of the cups 50 is heldfirmly erect. The rods 54* are mounted in plates 57 57 At the lower endthe cups 50 are compressed and form pipes 58*. The pipes 58 are providedwith a suitable connection whereby they are extended in unions 59 59which are connected with conduits'60 60 The conduits are united by asuitable union or connection to a suitable pipe 61 whereby the milk iscarried to a receptacle 62 The union 59 is held in engagement with thepipe 58 by a spring 63 which extends behind a pin 64: and secures theconnection.

The milk extracting devices are similar in their operation thereforthere will be described only the one.

As above mentioned, the cups 50 are held in position upon the plates 5757 and the rods 5 l 5 l The plates 57"57 are shown as being four innumber. This number may be varied to increase or decrease the number ofplates. The plates are square faced, elongated, straight members and arepivotally mounted on pins 65"65 which are extended between the arms 6666of compression levers 67 b 67 which are shaped substantially as shown inFig. 15 of the drawings, having vertical extensions to raise theextended arms (SW-66 above the vertical pivotal connection of the leverswith the rod 68. The rod 68* is mounted stationarily on the side of acasing 69*. The levers 67 are provided at the lower end with a quadrantextension 70, which is provided 57* connected therewith. From the sideof each of the series of the quadrants farthest removed from thecam-shaft 7 8 is extended an arm 71*, which enters the casing 69.through a slot in the side wall thereof and is provided with anelongated slot to engage a pin 72, which pin 72 is dependent from thelower wall of the box 73". The plates 57 are projected and retractedeach from the other by the box 73 a reciprocating movement beingimparted thereto, which causes the arm 71*, the quadrants and levers 67to rock on the rods 68*.

The reciprocations above mentioned are imparted to the boxes 73* by thecams 74 75 76 and 77*. These cams are fixedly mounted on a verticalshaft 7 8 which is extended through the casing 69 and rotatably mountedtherein. Extended in the rotary path of each of the cams mentioned arebullet-headed pistons 79, which are provided with shankextensions 80,about which is coiled a spiral spring 81 in such manner as to bearagainst the inner wall of a socket 82 with which the box 73 is providedand the rear of the head of the pistons 79". The normal operation of thespring is to thrust the piston 7 9 outward from the box 73 At the rearof the box the shank beam is extended through the wall of the said boxand is provided with a washer and retaining pin substantially as shownin Fig. 16 of the drawings, whereby the piston is prevented from beingejected from the box. The piston 79 is provided with a suitable slot toreceive a flat lever 83, a pin 8 9 being set through the slot to engagean elongated slot 85 formed in the said lever. The lever 83 is pivotallymounted at 86 in ears set out from the side of the box 73*, as seen mostclearly in Fig. 16 of the drawings. The end of the lever 83 oppositethat receiving the pivot 86 is pivotally connected at 87' with a head 88which is provided with a shank 89 to which a spiral spring 90 isattached. The spiral spring 90 is compressed and connected to theadjusting plate 91 which extends vertically within the casing (39 toreceive the four or more springs 90 to which the various heads 88 areconnected. The plate 91 is provided with a box 92 centrally bored,tapped and screw threaded to receive in screw threaded engagement athreaded screw 93". The screw 93 is rotatably mounted in the sides ofthe casing 69 and is pro-vided with a thumb nut 94?.

By means of the construction just above described, it will bev observedthat as the boxes 7 3 are thrown from the shaft 78 by It will also beobserved that the set on the shaft 78 so that. the drop or' straightwalls 95?95 aline. The said cams rotate in the direction shown in Figs.

17, 1s, .19 and 20, whereby the rise of the.

cams is successiveand progressive in their operation, while the "drop ofall the cams 1s simultaneous. 1

The operation of the mechanical features just above described is asfollows: When the teat cup is adjusted to the'udder and the drivingmechanism started, the shaft 7S 1s rotated, presenting in the firstinstance to the uppermost lever 79 therise of the cam 74, which islocated at the upper end of the shaft 7 8 The rise of the cam 74 throwsthe piston 7 9 away from the shaft 7 8 forcing the lever 83 and the box73 through the pivotal connection 86", backward. This action on the partof the box 7 39, carries the arm 71 in the direction required to rockthe lever 67 and the connecting quadrants 7 0 7 O upon the shafts 68 68This action results in'a movement of the plates 57 toward each other,compressing the walls of the teat cup at the upper end upon the teatintroduced therein and near the junction of the same with the udder.When the upper plates ,57 -57 are thus forced'against the teat, thepiston "79 by which the upper pair of plates are equal. lVith the upperplates thus held in position, the second cam 75 operates upon the secondpiston 79 to force the second plates 57, 57 to close juponv the teat inthe rises to the crown of the cam 75, the first and second pairs ofplates are heldstationimpinges upon the bullet end of the succeedingpiston 7 9?, to compress the third series of plates 57. The operation ofthe fourth and last cam 77", is similar to the.

ary, while the rise of the third cam 76 action described with referenceto the fore-' going cams, resulting in the compression of the last pair;of plates 57 357 upon the sion of the springs 90"90". 'When it isdesiredto relieve the pressure on the plates 57 "57", this may be readilyaccomplished, relieving the tension on the springs 90"-90" by rotatingthe screw 93" by the heads 94". The result in the variation in thetension on the springs 90"90" is to effect a. variation in thecompression of the plates 57"57" upon the imprisoned teat. When in theoperation of the cams on the shaft 78" the pistons 7 9" are retracted,and the desired pres sure on the plates 77"-77" is reached, the furtheraction of the piston 79" operates to swing the lever 83" on the pivot86" to compress the springs 90"90". It will be understood that thisadjustment can be quickly and readily effected by means of the thumbscrew 69". The operator, when placing the teat cups on the udder, may observe any restlessness on the part of the animal, indicating too great aseverity in the action of the mechanism, and may relieve the same byreleasing the tension on the springs 90"90".

To maintain the parallel movement of the plates 57"57", these plates areprovided with extensions 96", to which are pivoted arms 97", which arepivoted to the frame 69" at 98". The pivots 99" and 98" being fixed, andthe pivots 65" and 68" being also fixed and equal, the plates are heldin parallel relation as they are caused to project toward or recede fromeach other.

The teat cup 50" is mounted within a suitable light metal casing 100",which is shaped as shown in the drawings, and more particularly in Figs.7 and 10 thereof. It will be understood that the teat cups are notconnected with the casing 100" but are connected with and hung upon theupper and lower plates 57, but are protected by the casing 100" fromexternal dam-age or injury.

As stated, the teat cups with their operating mechanism such as justabove described, are constructed to operate upon single teats. They aremounted in a supporting frame so that the teat cups or casings 100" abuton the operating mechanism connected with the cam shaft 78", beingextended outward from the center of the supporting frame.

Each teat cup is provided with a T-slide rail 101", which is extendedhorizontally across the outer wall of asupporting plate 104". The rail101" is inserted within and supported by a channel arm 102" which isextended from vertical supports 103". The plate 104" is provided withbracket exten sions 105", the upper one of which is pivotally connectedwith the cam shaft 78" where the same extends through the casing 69".The lower extension 105" supports a casing 106" which receives the lowerend of the shaft 78". The plate 104" is further provided with extensions107" and 108" which support an ear connected to a guide rod 109",

which operates in a slidable collar 110"- when the said cups arereciprocated to rise and fall against and from the udder. In thisreciprocation they are compelled by the supporting levers 36 and theircompanion link arms 39".

The collars 110" are mounted on the ends of arms 111 111" which areguided in a casing 112". At the inner extension of the arms 111"-111"they are provided with rack toothed sections 113", which are opposedeach to the other and held in toothed engagement with a small pinion114". The casing 112" is integrally formed upon a dividing plate 115".The plate 115" is adapted to slide up and down in a channel formedbetween the uprights 103", which are slidably connected together. Theplate 115", sliding in the channel or groove between the uprights 103",serves to keep the casing 112" in a horizontal position and to keep theteat cups equi'dista nt from the center. The pinion 114" is fixedlymounted upon a small shaft 116", extended through the casing 112" andprovided with a wing nut 117". The wing nut 117" is provided with aspring-actuated detent 118", having a tooth to strike within and engagethe teeth of a toothed detent plate 119". Vhen the pinion 114" isrotated by turning the wing nut 117", the arms 111"111" and collars110"110" are extended or contracted, according to the operation of thesaid pinion 114".

It will be understood that there is such a mechanism as just describedat both ends of the milking apparatus; itis thereby pos sible to extendthe teat cups at one end while contracting them atthe other, foradjustment as desired, by reason of the fact that in cows the locationof the teats is irregular, and this lateral adjustment of the forwardand rear pairs of cups is necessary to a perfect operation.

The teat cups are held in their parallel arrangement longitudinally, bymeans of tubes on the cam box 120"120", which are alined and joined by arod 121", telescopically mounted within the said tubes, which maintainsthe parallel position of the said cups on the same side.

The cups in their pair arrangement are adjustable lengthwise of theapparatus by means of extension bars 122"122", which are incased withinthe casing 123", and at their end form the vertical supports 103". Theinner ends of the bars 122"-122" are provided with rack teeth 124",between which is mounted a pinion 125", the teeth of which engage therack teeth 124"-124". This construction preserves the extension of eachof the laterally-disposed bars from the longitudinal center where thepinion 125" is located in the casing 123". The pinion 125" is providedwith a short shaft 126", which is mounted in the side of the casing 123;From the side of one of the at the near end and there provided with gearteeth 130, adapted to receive the teeth or serrations on one side of thebar 123.

In the operation of the longitudinally operating mechanism justdescribed, the operator normally pulls one or both bars, particularlythe bar 128, throwing the same so that the teeth or serrations 130,provided in the top thereof, are out of engagement with the teeth on thebar 123- \Vhen the proper expansion has been obtained the rod 128 isthrown to the locking position and the bars 122 become fixed. It willthus be seen that the four teat cups may be adjusted at will eitherlaterally or longitudinally, and that the lateral adjustment in thevarious pairs may be independent for the reasons above given.

It has been described whereby the milking apparatus and operatingmechanism for the teat cups and the said teat cups, are supported inoperative position and maintained in vertical arrangement-by means ofthe levers 36 and link arms 39, together with the supporting mechanismconnected between the said levers and link arms and the back of thebuilding structure. There now remains to be described the drivingmechanism for carrying on the operation of milking.

The building structure is provided with a main driving shaft 150, whichis extended parallel with the milking rack formed by the stanchions X X,and is provided with miter gears 151, which are held in tooth engagementwith the mated miter gears 152. The gears 152 are fixedly mounted upon avertical shaft 153, which is set in bearing brackets 154 and a bracketcase 155, which are both fixed to the stanchion X. The shaft 153 isprovided at the lower end with a pinion 156.

The shafts 150 and 153 and the miter gears and pinion just described areconstantly in position. The pinion 156 is fixedly mounted upon the shaft153, being secured thereto by a suitable device. The pinion 166 isprovided with a suitable grooved collar adapted to receive a clutch yoke158. The clutch yoke 158 is formed at the lower end of a sleeve 159, atthe upper end of which is provided a pin 160, which is engaged by theyoke extension 161 of a hand lever 162. The hand lever 162 is pivotallymounted at 163 on the casing 4. Upon the casing 4 and connection 163 isformed a quadrant 164, having peripheral gear teeth, as shown in thedrawings and particularly shown in Fig. 2 thereof. The teeth formed inthe periphery of the quadrant are provided to receive the teeth of aspring-actuated detent 165.

By-operating the hand lever 162 to raise.

and lower the sleeve 159, the pinion 166 is raised'or lowered withinthecasing 4. In

the lowered position, such as shown in Fig. 2

rotat-ably mounted within the casing. 4."

Fixedly mounted upon the said shaft 167 is a miter gear 168, which isheld in toothed engagement with a mated miter 169. Themiter 169 isfixedly mounted upon. a shaft 170 suitably mounted within the casing 4.

This shaft is extended through and slidably secured to a sleeve 171,upon which are fixedly mounted pinions 172, 173 and 174. The sleeve 171is suitably connected: to a lever 175, the yoke end of which is joinedby links 176 to the end of said sleeve. The lever 175 is suitablypivoted at 177 and is connected with a hand lever 17 8. The hand lever178 carries a. spring-actuated detent 179 constructed substantially asshown in Fig. 2 of the drawings, to engage a quaddrant 180 rigidlyformed on the arm 5.

The mechanism comprising the levers 175 and 17 8 and the pinions 172,173 and 174 constitutes the speed changing mechanism. The gear 172 isadapted to mesh with the gear 181 only; the gear 173 is adapted to meshwith the gear 182 only; the gear 174 is adapted to mesh .with the gear183 only; and only two of thesaid gears are in position at the sametime. This engagement of the gears is produced by throwing the lever 175to move the sleeve 171 lengthwise of the casing 5.

The gears 181, 182 and 183 are fixedly mounted on a short shaft 184which is suitably mounted in the casing 5. At the outer end of the shaft184 there is connected pivotally or otherwise a flexible drivingshaft185. At the other end of the driving shaft 185 is connected fixedly ashort crank shaft 186 mounted within the gear casin 35. (See Fig. 5 ofthe drawings). I

Before proceeding to describe the operation of the driving mechanismoperated from and controlled within the gear casing the shaft 153through the gear pinions to the sleeve 171 and the pinions of variousdiameters mounted thereon. Through the one or other of said pinions byits engagement with the corresponding gear on the shaft 184 the saidshaft 184 and the shaft produced in the shaft 185 is accelerated largelyover and above that produced on the shaft 153.

There are two crank shafts 186186, the crank arms 187 of which arepivotally connected with pitmen 188 which are connected to riding blocks189. The riding blocks 189 are slidably mounted in plates 190 and arepivotally connected by crank pins 191 to rocking levers 192. The rockinglevers 192 are pivoted at 193 upon sliding blocks 191, which aresuitably grooved to receive the guide tins in the rocking levers 192.The pivots 193 are set out from the side of a movable block 195. Theblock 195 is perforated and threaded to receive a heavy screw 196, whichis rotatably mounted in a standard 197 set upfrom the floor of thecasing 35, and in a boss 198 extended from the side thereof. The screw196 is rotatably mounted in the standard 197 and boss 198, and issuitably collared to prevent longitudinal movement, and is provided atthe end with a crank handle 199 by which the screw may be readilyrotated.

The mechanism so far described with the exception of the screw 196 isduplicated in parallel disposition within the casing 35. When the shafts186 are connected by meshed pinions 200, by reason of the engagement ofthe two pinions the rotary motion imparted by the flexible shaft 185 tothe one shaft 186 is quickly transmitted to the other shaft 186. Thecrank extensions of the two shafts are in opposite directions, but forpurposes which will be more clearly set forth, the pinions 200-200 aremounted loosely upon the shafts 186186, being engaged by members formedon either the pinions or shafts optionally and adapted to engage at ahalf revolution.

It will be observed with the mechanism constructed and arranged as thusdescribed, that the levers 192192 are rocked by the pitmen 188 and crankarms 187 in opposite directions. The outer ends of: the levers 192travel an arc of greater or less extent, according as the pivots 193 aremoved toward or from the crank pins 191. This movement is imparted bythe screw 196, which when turned by the handle 199 advances or recedesthe block 195 moving the same back and forth in the slot provided in thelevers 192. To maintain the block 195 in a constant horizontal position,the pivots 193 are extended laterally torest in grooves or guides 204,provided in the side of the casing 35. It will thus be seen that theextent of rise and fall of the outer ends of the levers 192 is graduatedaccording to the position of the block 195.

The free ends of the levers 192 are, by the links 201 connected with theshort arms 202 which are mounted upon tubular shafts 203. Fixedlyattached to the shafts 203 are the supporting arms 3636. As heretoforedescribed, the suporting arms 3636 are connected at 38 with thesupporting frame. By reason of this connection the teat cups and drivingmechanism connected therewith are reciprocated in a vertical directionas the levers 192192 are rocked.

Fixedly mounted upon the shaft 186 is a miter gear 206, which is mountedin toothed engagement with a miter gear 207. The gear 207 is fixedlymounted upon a shaft 208, vertically supported in bearings in the casing35. In the shaft 208 is a long groove 209, which engages a projection210, from the miter gear fixedly located in a small gear casing 211.Extended from the side of the gear casing 211 is a boss 212, which formsthe bearing for a shaft 213. On the end of the shaft 213 is mounted amiter gear 214t, held in toothed engagement with the miter 210, which ispivoted to slide on the shaft 208. The casing 211 is perforated to passthe shaft 208, and is intended to slide up and down, the same as theteat cups to which the respective shafts 213 213 are connected andraised and lowered by the levers 3838. Extended from the bosses 212 aresupporting rods 215215, which are maintained by the supporting framesfor the teat cups in parallel arrangement. The shafts 213213 areoperated constantly and at the same rate of speed. They are providedwith spiral gears 216, slidably mounted upon the front of the said shaftand engaged with a spiral gear 217. The spiral gear 217 is mounted upona shaft 218, which is telescopically mounted in a tubular shaft 221, onwhich is mounted a straight gear 219, to mesh with a straight gear 220.The gear 220 is mounted upon a short shaft E, at the end of which is amiter gear 222. The miter gear 222 is held in meshed engagement with amiter gear 223. The gear 223 is fixedly mounted upon the cam shaft 78.The shaft 213 is held in bearings in a small gear case 22%, which isfixedly attached to the supports The telescopic shafts E and 218 allowthe teat cups to be laterally adjusted. On the two forward teat cupsshown in Figs. 11 and 12, the gears 216 are carried on a tubular shaft Fwhich, by means of a spline and groove, is slidable lengthwise of theshaft 218. On the two rear teat cups, the gears 216 are carried on asection of the shaft 213, which telescopes in a tube 225. Thisarrangement of the driving gears interposed between the shaft 213 andthe cam shaft 78 permits each of the teat cups and operating mechanismconnected therewith to pivot on the shafts 78 to tilt the said cupstoward and away from each other, and permits also of a certain amount ofindependent disalinement of the shaft 213 with the said drivingmechanism of the said teat cups. The shaft 213 is spliced or formedtelescopically with a tube 225. This extension mechanism permits thelongitudinal adjustment of the rear teat cups heretofore mentioned.

It will be understood that wherein this driving mechanism has beenreferred to in the singular form, the plural is to be understood, forthe reason that there are two shafts 213 and two operating mechanismsconnected with each of the shafts 78, of which there are four, one foreach of the teat cups.

\Vith an apparatus constructed as herein described, and as shown in theaccompanying drawings, the operation is as follows 2-- The cow havingbeen secured in the milking rack, the operator places the pin 2 in thesocket provided in the block 1. porting arms are thrown to the positionneeded to introduce the teat cups 50"5O below the udder. The operatordepresses the supporting arms against the pull of the spring 32 untilthe teat cups are below the lower end of the teats. The teats areintroduced into the teat cups and the cups are adj usted with thenatural position of the teats by operating the wing nuts 117 and 129",adjusting the said teat cups laterally and longitudinally, respectively.When thus adjusted the spring 32* is permit-ted to raise the supportingframe to lift the cups firmly against the udder. In introducing the cupsto the teats the plates 57 57 should be retracted. This requires thatthe driving mechanism for one pair of the cups should be advanced orreceded one'half turn of the driving shaft. This is the reason for theloose mounting of the pinions 200200, this mounting permitting therotation of the driving mechanism for the one-half revolution of theshaft 186. When the driving mechanism is started this will immediatelypick up the disadjustment and-from thence on operate in the alternatemanner herein described. In placing the teat cups in position the rod 22is introduced between the brisket and fore legs of the animal. If it isThe sup levers 36.

into engagement with the pinion 156. With the engagement of these twopinions the flexible shaft 185 and the operating mechanism connectedtherewith in the gear case 35, is started. If now the operator findsthat the compression is too severe upon the teats of the animal, thiscan be regulated-by releasing the tension by rotating the thumb nuts94"91 connected with the various cups, thereby reducing the pressure onthe spiral springs 90".

The mechanism so described is constructed and timed with reference tothe compression action of the plates 57, so that as the teats aregrasped by the four pairs of'plates 57 the arm 36 on the side holdingthe grasping cups is restricted 'to a downward position operating toproduce a pull upon the teats. At the same instant the arm 36 on theopposite side, with the plates 5757 being expanded, is raised upwardagainst the udder, the inner side or top of the cups extending well intothe crease between the teats. At the instant of the release of the teatsby the expansion of the plates 57"57 on the depressed arm 36, the upperpair of the plates 57 57 close upon the teats which they surround, andit will be noticed that this closure is upon the juncture of the teatwith the udder. The compression now proceeds upon this side of the udderand the arm 36 is gradually drawn down so that the teats are pulled intoposition, practically as shown at Fig. 24: of the drawings. Theseactions are in more or less exact similitude to the action of the humanhand.

\Vhen now the udder is becoming exhausted and the flow of the milkretarded, this may be accelerated by rotating the handle 199 to advancethe block 195 to increase the length of the action of the levers 192 andwith them the length of the stroke of the The immediate result of thisaction will be that the cups are forced fart-her upward on risingagainst the udder, striking the same with a soft impact. At the sametime, in the downward stroke the teat is elongated, pulling the cells ofthe udder into a more contracted position, the result of the two actionsbeing that the lacteal cells are manipulated into activity. As the milkis drawn into the cups 50", it is led away by the tubular extension 58to the tube 61 and receptacle 62. When the milk has beencompletely takenfrom one cow, the operator depresses the milking mechanism until theteats are freed from the cups 50 50. The operating mechanism is swung soas to draw the rod 22 from between the brisket and fore legs of theanimal, and the supporting mechanism is relieved from engagement withthe socket in the block 1 and is canied by the operator to the next cowto be milked. The operation is there repeated. This operation isrepeated on successive cows until the complete milking is finished.

In some instances the shape of the udder and the hang of the teats aresuch that it requires that the cups be inclined to the udder. Thisadjustment is made by the screw 42* which is rotatably mounted in thearm 43 extended from the gear casing 35*. The screw is rotatably mountedin the block 44 which is pivoted in the arm 43 to rock therein. Asimilar block is mounted in the arm 45*, which is an extension of theframe 34*. By rotating the screw l2 by means of the handle 46*, theinclination of the casing 35 is changed. A slight change of the gearcasing produces a decided change in the position of the teat cups and inthe man ner in which they are presented to the udder.

\Vhen the cups are being placed upon the teats as above mentioned, andin order to do so it becomes necessary to open the one pair of cups,this is accomplished by turning the shaft 208 to which the shaft 213 isconnected. It is for the purpose of turning this shaft that I haveprovided a thumb nut 226.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire tosecure by Letters Patent is 1. A mechanical milker, comprising asupporting frame for the milking mechanism adapted to be adjustablyattached to the building structure at stations provided, an arm extendedfrom said frame adapted to extend between the fore legs and brisket ofthe animal and having a spring to press the said arm upward against thebody of the animal, a teat manipulating mechanism supported by saidframe, a driving mechanism permanently mounted on the structure, and atransmission mechanism mounted on said supporting frame adapted toconnect said driving mechanism and teat manipulating mechanism.

2. A mechanical milker, comprising a supporting frame embodying aplurality of arms hingedly connected and provided with a spring to raisethe outer end of the said arms, an arm extended from said frame adaptedto extend between the fore legs and brisket of the animal, a teatmanipulating mechanism supported by said frame, a driving mechanismpermanently mounted on the structure, and a transmission mechanismmounted on said supporting frame adapted to connect said drivingmechanism and teat manipulating mechanism.

3. A mechanical milker, comprising a supporting frame embodying aplurality of arms hingedly connected and having a spring member to raisethe same at the outer end thereof, adjustable tension devices to "arythe tension of said spring member, a teat manipulating mechanismsupported by said frame, a driving mechanism permanently mounted on thestructure, and a transmission mechanism mounted on said supporting frameadapted to connect said driving mechanism and teat manipulatingmechanism.

A. A mechanical milker, comprising a supporting frame for the milkingmechanism, embodying a plurality of arms hingedly connected and having aspring member to raise the outer end thereof, an arm extended from saidframe adapted to extend between the fore legs and brisket of the animal,a teat manipulating mechanism supported by said frame, a drivingmechanism adapted to reciprocate said supporting mechanism vertically atthe end carrying said manipulating mechanism, and a transmissionmechanism mounted on said supporting frame adapted to connect the saiddriving mechanism and said teat and reciprocating mechamsms.

5. A mechanical milker, comprising a supporting frame for the milkingmechanism adapted to be attached to the building structure at stationsprovided, a holding member attached to said frame and adapted to engagethe body of the animal in guided relation thereto, a teat manipulatingmechanism operating to compress the teats mechanically, an operatingmechanism adapted to reciprocate the said supporting frame vertically atthe end carrying said manipulating mechanism, a driving mechanismpermanently mounted on the structure, and a transmission mechanismmounted on said supporting frame adapted to connect said drivingmechanism and teat and reciprocating mechanisms.

6. A mechanical milker, comprising a supporting frame and milkingmechanism adapted to be adjustably attached to the building structure atstations provided, a holding member attached to said frame and adaptedto engage the body of the animal in guided relation thereto, a teatmanipulating mechanism operating to compress the teats progressivelyfrom the top downward, a driving mechanism permanently mounted on thestructure, and a transmission mechanism mounted on said supporting frameadapted to connect said driving mechanism and teat manipulatingmechanism.

7 A mechanical milker, comprising a supporting frame for the milkingmechanism, embodying a lurality of arms hingedly connected and aving aspring to raise the outer end thereof, a holding member attached to saidframe and adapted to engage the body of the animal in guided relationthereto, a teat manipulating mechanism operating to compress the teatsprogressively from the top downward, an operating mechanism adapted toreciprocate said supporting frame vertically at the end carrying saidmanipulating mechanism, and a driving mechanism embodying a transmissionmechanism mounted on said supporting frame and adapted toconnect saiddriving mechanism and teat manipulating and reciprocating mechanisms.

8. A mechanical milker, comprising a supporting frame for the milkingmechanism, embodying a plurality of arms hingedly connected and having aspring to raise the outer end thereof, a holding member attached to saidframe and adapted to engage the body of the animal in guided relationthereto, a teat manipulating mechanism operating to compress the teatsprogressively from the top downward, an operating mechanism toreciprocate the parts of said supporting frame alternately on oppositesides of the udder, and a driving mechanism embodying a transmissionmechanism mounted on said supporting frame adapted to connect saiddriving mechanism and said teat and reciprocating mechanisms.

9. A mechanical milker, comprising a supporting frame for the milkingmechanism, embodying a plurality of arms hingedly connected and having aspring to raise the outer end thereof, a holding member attached to saidframe and adapted to en gage the body of the animal in guided rela tionthereto, a teat manipulating mechanism operating to compress the teatsprogressively from the top downward, an operating mechanism toreciprocate the parts of said supporting frame alternately on oppositesides of the udder and in harmony with said teat manipulating mechanism,to depress the same when the members are compressed and to raise thesame when the members are opened, and a driving mechanism embodying atransmission mechanism adapted to connect said driving mechanism.

and teat manipulating and operating mechanisms.

10. A mechanical milker, comprising a supporting frame for the milkingmechanism, embodying a plurality of arms hingedly connected and having aspring to raise the same at the outer end thereof, a holding memberattached to said frame adapted to engage the body of the animal inguided relation thereto, a teat manipulating mechanism operating tocompress the teat-s mechanically, means for adjusting the mem bers ofsaid mechanism to the physical frame of the animal, an operatingmechanism adapted to reciprocate the said supporting frame vertically atthe end carrying said manipulating mechanism, and a driv ing mechanismembodying a transmission mechanism mounted on said supporting frame andadapted to connect said driving mechanism and teat manipulating andoper-- ating mechanisms.

11. A mechanical milker, comprising a supporting frame for the milkingmechanism, embodying a plurality of arms hingedly connected and having aspring to raise the outer end thereof, a holding member attached to saidframe and adapted to engage the body of the animal in guided relationthereto, a teat manipulating mechanism embodying a plurality of devicesadapted to operate each teat separately to extract the milk therefrom,and a driving mechanism embodying a transmission mechanism mounted onsaid frame adapted to connect said driving mechanism and teatmanipulatingmechanism.

12. A mechanical milker, comprising a supporting frame for the milkingmechanism, embodying a plurality of arms hingedly connected and having aspring to raise the outer end thereof, a holding member attached to saidframe and adapted to engage the body of the animal in guided relationthereto, a teat manipulating mechanism embodying a. plurality of devicesadapted to operate each teat separately to extract the milk therefrom,an operating mechanism adapted to reciprocate said supporting framevertically at the outer end carrying tached to said frame and adapted toengage the body of the animal inguided relation thereto, a teatmanipulating mechanism em bodying a plurality of devices adapted tooperate each teat separately to extract the milk therefrom, an operatingmechanism to reciprocate the said supporting frame alternately onopposite sides of the udder, and a driving mechanism embodying atransmission mechanism mounted on saidsupporting frame adapted toconnect said driving mechanism and teat and reciprocating mechanisms.

14. A mechanical milker, comprising a supporting frame for the milkingmechanism, embodying a plurality of arms hingedly 7 connected and havinga spring to raise the outer end thereof, a holding member attached tosaid frame and adapted to engage the body of the animal in guidedrelation thereto, a teat manipulating mechanism embodying a plurality ofdevices operating to compress each teat separately and progressivelyfrom the top to the bottom thereof,

and a driving mechanism embodying a transmission mechanism mounted onsaid supporting frame adapted to connect said driving mechanism and teatmanipulating mechanism.

15. A mechanical milker, comprising a supporting frame for the milkingmechanism, embodying a plurality of arms hingedly connected and having aspring to raise the outer end thereof, a holding member attached to saidframe adapted to engage the body of the animal in guided relationthereto, a teat manipulating mechanism embodying a plurality of devicesoperating to compress each teat separately and progressively from thetop to the bottom, an operating mechanism adapted to reciprocate saidsupporting frame vertically at the end carrying said manipulatingmechanism, and a driving mechanism embodying a transmission mechanismadapted to connect said driving mechanism and said teat manipulating andreciprocating mechanisms.

16. A mechanical milker, comprising a supporting frame for the milkingmechanism, embodying a plurality of arms hingedly connected and having aspring to raise the outer end thereof, aholding member attached to saidframe and adapted to engage the body of the animal in guided relationthereto, a teat manipulating mechanism embodying a plurality of devicesoperating to compress each teat separately and progressively from thetop to the bottom, an operating mechanism to reciprocate the saidsupporting frame on opposite sides of the udder, and a driving mechanismembodying a transmission mechanism adapted to connect said drivingmechanism and teat manipulating and reciprocating mechanisms.

17. A mechanical milker, comprising, a supporting frame for the milkingmechanism, embodying a plurality of arms hingedly connected and having aspring to raise the outer end thereof, a holding member attached to saidframe and adapted to engage the body of the animal in guided relationthereto, a teat manipulating mechanism operating to compress the teatsmechanically, an operating mechanism adapted to reciprocate saidsupporting frame vertically at the end carrying the said manipulatingmechanism, means for varying the extent of the said reciprocation, and adriving mechanism em bodying a transmission mechanism mounted on saidsupporting frame adapted to connect the said driving mechanism and teatmanipulating and reciprocating mechanisms.

18. A mechanical milker, comprising a supporting frame for the milkingmechanism, embodying a plurality of arms hingedly connected and having aspring to raise the outer end thereof, a holding member attached to saidframe adapted to engage the body of the animal in guided relationthereto, a teat manipulating mechanism embodying a plurality of devicesoperating to compress each teat separately and progressively from thetop to the bottom, an operating mechanism adapted to reciprocate thesaid supporting frame alternately 011 opposite sides of the udder and inharmony with said manipulating mechanism, to depress same when themembers are compressed and to "aise same when the members are opened,and a driving mechanism embodying a transmission mechanism mounted onsaid supporting frame adapted to connect said driving mechanism and teatmanipulating and reciprocating mechanisms.

19. A mechanical milker, comprising a supporting frame for the milkingmechanism, embodying a plurality of arms hingedly connected and having aspring to raise the outer end thereof, a holding member attached to saidframe adapted to engage the body of the animal in guided relationthereto, a teat manipulating mechanism embodying a plurality of devicesadapted to operate each teat separately to extract the milk therefrom,an operating mechanism to reciprocate the said supporting mechanismalternately on opposite sides of the udder and in harmony, to depressthe same when the members are compressed and to raise the same when themembers are opened, means for varying the extent of the reciprocation,and a driving mechanism embodying a transmission mechanism mounted onsaid supporting frame adapted to connect said driving mechanism and teatmanipulating and reciprocating mechanisms.

20. A mechanical milker, comprising a supporting frame for the milkingmechan ism, embodying a plurality of arms hingedly connected and havinga spring to raise the outer end thereof, a holding member attached tosaid frame and adapted to engage the body of the animal in guidedrelation thereto, a teat manipulating mechanism embodying a plurality ofdevices operating to compress each teat separately and progressivelyfrom the top to the bottom, an operating mechanism to reciprocate thesaid supporting frame alternately on opposite sides of the udder, and inharmony with said manipulating mechanism, to depress the same when thecompression members are compressed and to raise the same when the saidmembers are opened, means for varying the extent of the reciprocation,and a driving mechanism embodying a transmission mechanism mounted onsaid supporting frame and adapted to connect said driving mechanism andteat manipulating and reciprocating mechanisms.

21. A mechanical milker, comprising a supporting frame for the milkingmechanism, embodying a plurality of arms hingedly connected and having aspring to raise the

